Bolludagur, known in English as Cream Bun Day, is a celebrated tradition in Iceland marking the approach of Lent. Each year, on the Monday before Sprengidagur (Bursting Day) and Öskudagur (Ash Day), people across the country indulge in sweet pastry buns filled with whipped cream and jam, often topped with chocolate.
This three-day period of celebration combines over a century of Icelandic adaptation with roots tracing back to similar holidays in Denmark and Norway. Bolludagur was introduced to Iceland in the late 19th century, where it quickly became a beloved winter custom for families and bakeries alike.
Traditions and treats
One of the most distinctive customs associated with Bolludagur centres on Icelandic children. In a tradition unique to the country, children use decorated sticks covered in colourful paper to gently spank their parents or other adults while chanting ‘bolla, bolla, bolla!’, meaning ‘bun, bun, bun.’ For each playful whack, children are awarded a cream-filled bun. Although this playful aspect has faded somewhat over time, cream bun eating remains central to the holiday.
The buns themselves are a special treat, featuring airy pastry split and filled with jam and whipped cream, then finished with a chocolate glaze. Many buns are purchased from local bakeries, with more than one million produced each year. On top of this, countless families prepare their own at home, underscoring the enduring popularity of the custom.
A sweet start to Lent
Bolludagur takes place annually on the Monday preceding both Sprengidagur (Bursting Day, Iceland’s take on Mardi Gras) and Ash Wednesday. The holiday signals both the gradual retreat of winter and the coming of the Lenten season, offering a cheerful opportunity for Icelanders of all ages to come together over a sweet tradition.